ISSN1536-3910 House Committee Passes WRRDA Bill · 9/30/2013 · in the user fee to fund the...
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The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, on September 19 by a unanimous vote. The action represents a significant achievement for committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV), whose management of the bill has been marked by focused messaging, outreach to stakeholders, and a willingness to work in a bipartisan fashion. The bill is expected to go to the House floor for consideration at some point in the first two weeks of October. Several amendments were offered during the course of the markup, but a united opposition by Reps. Shuster, Rahall, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R- OH) and Ranking Member Tim Bishop (D-NY) to keep the bill intact as introduced ultimately forced lawmakers to withdraw them. Among the amendments offered was a measure by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) to develop a management plan to address environmental issues on the Mississippi River, which Cohen stated was supported by the Mississippi Rivers and Towns Initiative. While WRRDA did not include an increase in the user fee to fund the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, Waterways Council, Inc. is leading a concurrent effort to persuade key Members of the House Ways and Means Committee to enact this important piece of the Inland Waterways Capital Development Plan. Over 70 organizations—including AWO—signed a letter to committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) and Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) urging them to support inclusion of the user fee in the final version of WRRDA that passes the House. Another notable provision of WRRDA is Section 219, which directs the Corps of Engineers to close the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock on the Upper Mississippi River on the basis of tonnage that passed through the lock over a five-year period. AWO and WCI are working in tandem with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee staff to ensure that this language cannot be interpreted by the Corps of Engineers as precedent to support closing other locks on federal waterways. Assuming WRRDA is passed by the House of Representatives in early October, conferees will be appointed in the House and Senate to begin the process of ironing out differences between WRRDA and S. 601, the Senate’s water resources legislation that was passed in May. For more details on WRRDA, please contact Craig Montesano at (703) 841- 9300, extension 297, or [email protected] . 801 North Quincy Street, Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia 22203 Phone: (703) 841-9300 Fax: (703) 841-0389 www.americanwaterways.com ISSN1536-3910 House Committee Passes WRRDA Bill Team AWO at the SCI Mountain Challenge. See complete story, page 2. Team AWO Shines at SCI Mountain Challenge.................................3 Subcommittee Leadership Urges U.S. Maritime Exclusion in Trade Negotiations...................................4 Coast Guard Delays Updated Liquid Chemical Categorization............5 Allegretti Addresses TradeWinds Conference.......................8 HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 70, NO. 20 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 Team AWO Shines at SCI Mountain Challenge
Transcript of ISSN1536-3910 House Committee Passes WRRDA Bill · 9/30/2013 · in the user fee to fund the...
The House Transportation andInfrastructure Committee passed H.R.3080, the Water Resources Reform andDevelopment Act, on September 19 by aunanimous vote. The action represents asignificant achievement for committeeChairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) andRanking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV),whose management of the bill has beenmarked by focused messaging, outreachto stakeholders, and a willingness to workin a bipartisan fashion. The bill isexpected to go to the House floor forconsideration at some point in the firsttwo weeks of October.
Several amendments were offered duringthe course of the markup, but a unitedopposition by Reps. Shuster, Rahall,Water Resources and EnvironmentSubcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-OH) and Ranking Member Tim Bishop(D-NY) to keep the bill intact asintroduced ultimately forced lawmakersto withdraw them. Among theamendments offered was a measure byRep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) to develop amanagement plan to addressenvironmental issues on the MississippiRiver, which Cohen stated was supported
by the Mississippi Rivers and TownsInitiative.
While WRRDA did not include an increasein the user fee to fund the InlandWaterways Trust Fund, WaterwaysCouncil, Inc. is leading a concurrent effortto persuade key Members of the HouseWays and Means Committee to enact thisimportant piece of the Inland WaterwaysCapital Development Plan. Over 70organizations—including AWO—signed aletter to committee Chairman Dave Camp(R-MI) and Ranking Member SanderLevin (D-MI) urging them to supportinclusion of the user fee in the finalversion of WRRDA that passes the House.
Another notable provision of WRRDA isSection 219, which directs the Corps ofEngineers to close the Upper St. AnthonyFalls Lock on the Upper Mississippi River
on the basis of tonnage that passedthrough the lock over a five-year period.AWO and WCI are working in tandemwith Transportation and InfrastructureCommittee staff to ensure that thislanguage cannot be interpreted by theCorps of Engineers as precedent tosupport closing other locks on federalwaterways.
Assuming WRRDA is passed by theHouse of Representatives in early October,conferees will be appointed in the Houseand Senate to begin the process of ironingout differences between WRRDA and S.601, the Senate’s water resourceslegislation that was passed in May.
For more details on WRRDA, pleasecontact Craig Montesano at (703) 841-9300, extension 297, [email protected].
801 North Quincy Street, Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Phone: (703) 841-9300Fax: (703) 841-0389
www.americanwaterways.comISSN1536-3910
House Committee Passes WRRDA Bill
Team AWO at the SCI Mountain Challenge. See complete story, page 2.
Team AWO Shines at SCIMountain Challenge.................................3
Subcommittee Leadership Urges U.S. Maritime Exclusion in Trade Negotiations...................................4
Coast Guard Delays Updated Liquid Chemical Categorization............5
Allegretti Addresses TradeWinds Conference.......................8
HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE
VOLUME 70, NO. 20 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
Team AWO Shines at SCI Mountain Challenge
Team AWO returned home last week after participating inthe inaugural SCI Mountain Challenge, a charity enduranceevent to raise money to advance the important missions ofthe Seamen’s Church Institute. Thanks to the very generoussupport of AWO members and friends, AWO raised morecontributions to SCI than any other organizationparticipating in the Mountain Challenge. When all thepledges are counted, we expect to exceed $21,000!
Team AWO’s overall contributions were split between itstwo participating teams, Team I (Tom Allegretti, Lynn Craigand Mark Wright) and Team II (Brian Bennett, JenniferCarpenter, and Brian Vahey), and both AWO teamsofficially tied for third place in the team fundraisingcategory. Additionally, Team II took second place in thecombined category of completion time on the JV course andteam philanthropy, with the team from Ingram BargeCompany finishing first. Together, the 41 teamsparticipating in the SCI Mountain Challenge raised a total ofover $368,000.
Team AWO is very grateful to the members listed belowwho made generous personal and corporate contributions.From start to finish, this was a team effort, and your
donations as well as your words ofencouragement along the way made allthe difference. Team AWO verywarmly thanks you for the opportunityto represent the industry in support of SCI’s valuable work.
ASSOCIATION NEWS
2 September 30, 2013
Team AWO Shines at SCI Mountain Challenge
AWO Team I (top) at the top of Burnt Mountain and Team II(bottom) at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Frank BantaChem Carriers LLCTom CrowleyCrowley MaritimeCorporationZ. David DeLoachDeLoach Marine ServiceCathy HammondInland Marine ServiceBrian HaymonSGS Petroleum
Paul JanoushJANTRAN, Inc.Frances KuehneProgressive Barge Line, Inc.Buckley McAllisterMcAllister TowingMark RugeK&L GatesSteve ScalzoFoss Maritime Company
Silver Level Contributors
George Leavell - Wepfer Marine, Inc.
Gold Level Contributor
SCI Mountain Challenge Contributors
September 30, 2013 3
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Team AWO Shines at SCI Mountain Challenge
Representatives from Ingram Barge Company, Holland and Knight and AWO’s Team II at the SCI Mountain Challengeawards dinner.
Robert Aldrich, EvansvilleMarine Service, Inc.Cristina AllegrettiElena AllegrettiJoanna AllegrettiElizabeth ArnoldKaren ArnoldBill Barr, Amherst Madison, Inc.Aaron Bessinger, NorthernIndiana Marine Management, LLCGeorge ClarkPaul Cyr, Edoc Systems GroupChristopher Dann, Dann MarineTowing LCLetty DePalmaMichael Donner, LouisianaMarine Operators, LLCKevin DowlingRhonda Echols, Echo Marine, Ltd.Cherrie Felder
Jim and Linda FarleyGeorge Foster, JB MarineService, Inc.Andrew Garger, WQISKristine GarlandChuck Glenn, Glenmar, Inc.Marge HaniganJohn HarmsRoger Harris, Magnolia MarineTransport CompanyVickie HammondJim Hellmuth, C.T. Hellmuth &AssociatesBob and Linda HughesMolly Isnardi, Upper RiverServicesJoseph Jacobs, BrenTransportation Corp.Betsy KingChuck King, Buffalo MarineService, Inc.Mary LaBorde
Merritt Lane, Canal BargeCompany, Inc.Lee LeBoeuf, L & L MarineTransportation, Inc.Mike Luhr, Luhr Bros, Inc.Linda Marra, Greater NY MarineTransportation LLCMary McCarthyAnn McCullochCraig MontesanoCharlie and Kathy NalenJeff Nightingale, MississippiMarine CorporationBrent NissenDan NuttFred NyhiusGary Osorno, AccuTrans, Inc.Richard PaineJeff Parker, Kirby OffshoreMarine, LLCKent Pehler, Brennan Marine,Inc.
Croft Register, Express Marine, Inc.Holly RiesterJane Russell, Helena MarineService, Inc.Jo Ann Salyers, SalyersSolutions, LLCDale SauseRay SickRachel Smith, TradeWindsTowing LLCJay Sciuto, Tate & TryonDave St. AmandCaitlyn StewartDavid Toepfer, MatthewsBrothers, Inc.Paul and Lee TregurthaSarah Wood, Wood Resources,LLCAl Zurawski, Northland/NaknekBarge Lines, LLC
Additional Contributors
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
4 September 30, 2013
Subcommittee Leadership Urges U.S.Maritime Exclusion in Trade Negotiations
The Honorable Michael FromanU.S. Trade Representative600 17th Street, NWWashington, DC 20508
Dear Ambassador Froman:As the Administration moves forward on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks, the
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, or a new tradeagreement aimed at promoting trade in services (TISA), we strongly urge you to excludemaritime matters from these initiatives.The U.S. Trade Representative’s office recently advised Congress that it was proceeding
with two free trade agreements – the TTIP and TISA negotiations. It is also working tofinalize the TPP talks. The United States should not agree to requests from foreign nationsto include maritime matters in trade agreements. Our international trade is alreadyliberalized, as evidenced by the fact that roughly 97 percent of international trade with theU.S. occurs on foreign-flag vessels. Including maritime matters would not benefit theAmerican maritime industry, the U.S. economy, or the homeland and national securityinterests of the United States. Inclusion of maritime matters in the TTIP would undermineU.S. economic and security policies.The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation recently held a
hearing highlighting the important roles that U.S.-flag ships and mariners play in oureconomic and national security. At that hearing, General William Fraser III, Commander,U.S. Transportation Command, the Department of Defense’s logistics arm, said “DODgains critical access to U.S. commercial capabilities and their transportation network,while ensuring the availability of a viable U.S.-flag maritime industry and U.S. citizenMerchant Mariner pool in times of national emergency” because of U.S. maritime policy.Likewise, the Honorable John Porcari, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department ofTransportation, said “[a] strong maritime industry is critical to America’s national andeconomic security.”Throughout our Nation's history, our U.S.-flag fleet has provided American jobs,
protected domestic economic prosperity, and supported our troops overseas. TheAdministration should not compromise our long-standing domestic cabotage and cargopreference laws to accede to the wishes of foreign nations, and should reject anyagreements that would undermine our ability to maintain a U.S.-flag fleet.As you move forward with negotiations and discussions on TTIP, TISA, TPP, or any other
trade agreement, we ask that you protect American interests and maintain the precedent ofevery past U.S. Administration by excluding maritime matters from trade agreements.
On September 11, Reps.Duncan Hunter (R-CA)and John Garamendi (D-CA), Chairman andRanking Member of theHouse Subcommittee onCoast Guard andMaritime Transportation,sent the letter at left toU.S. TradeRepresentative MichaelFroman, urging theexclusion of maritimematters from ongoinginternational tradenegotiations. The letterstates that the U.S.“should not compromiseour long-standingdomestic cabotage andcargo preference laws”and “should reject anyagreements thatundermine our ability tomaintain a U.S.-flagfleet.” Full letter text isreprinted at right.
On September 13, the U.S. Department of Transportationannounced that Secretary Anthony Foxx designated two newmarine highways under the Marine Highway Program. TheUpper Missouri River from Sioux City, IA, to Kansas City,MO, is now designated as the “M-29 Marine HighwayConnector,” and is sponsored by the Port Authority ofKansas City, MO. Additionally, the Occoquan, Potomac andAnacostia rivers now make up the “M-495 Marine HighwayCrossing,” sponsored by the Northern Virginia RegionalCommission.
In a press release, Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) praisedDOT’s designation of the M-29 Marine Highway Connector
as helping to promote navigation andeconomic development. “This is just further proof of theinvaluable economic resources that are the Mississippi andMissouri rivers,” he said.
The Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis, MO, andthe Mississippi River south of St. Louis have already beendesignated as marine highways by DOT. An application todesignate the Mississippi River from St. Paul, MN, to St.Louis is being explored.
The Marine Highway Program allows the DOT secretary todesignate marine highways where the secretary determinesthat waterborne cargo transportation will reduce pollutionand congestion on roads. Sponsors of improvement projectsin designated marine highways can apply for MarineHighway Project status, and thus become eligible for grantsand other federal assistance from DOT and the MaritimeAdministration. Private companies can work with publicentity project sponsors to obtain Marine Highway Projectstatus and federal funding for cooperative improvementinitiatives.
For more information, please contact Caitlyn Stewart at(703) 841-9300, extension 262, [email protected].
LEGISLATIVE NEWS/AGENCY ACTIONS
September 30, 2013 5
The Maritime Administration is seeking applicationsfor membership on the Marine TransportationSystems National Advisory Council. The Counciladvises and makes recommendations to the Secretaryof Transportation via the MARAD Administrator on:
Impediments to the effective use and•expansion of America’s Marine Highways;
Waterways and ports and their intermodal,•road, rail and marine highway connections;
Shipbuilding capacity; and•
Guidelines for the development of a national•freight policy from a marine transportationperspective.
Nine positions will be filled by individuals withexperience in one or more marine transportationsectors, including: ports, terminal operators, shippers,vessel operators, non-marine transportation providers,metropolitan planning organizations, statedepartments of transportation, shipbuilders, labor, andacademia. Applications should be received on orbefore October 18. For more information, pleasecontact Richard Lolich at (202) 366-0704 [email protected].
MARAD Seeks MTSNAC Applications
Upper Missouri RiverStretch Designated As New Marine Highway
“This is just further proof of theinvaluable economic resources that arethe Mississippi and Missouri rivers.”
- Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
Coast Guard Delays UpdatedLiquid Chemical CategorizationThe U.S. Coast Guard is delaying the effective date of theinterim rule updating liquid chemical categorizations to givethe regulated community additional time to understand therule. The interim rule, originally published on August 16,updates and revises regulatory tables listing liquidhazardous materials, liquefied gases, and compressed gasesthat have been approved for maritime transportation in bulkand indicates how the pollution potential of each substancehas been categorized.
The interim rule will now become effective on January 16,2014. To read the interim rule, click here. For moreinformation, please contact Brian Bennett at (703) 841-9300, extension 279, or [email protected].
6 September 30, 2013
AGENCY ACTIONS
On September 17, the U.S.Coast Guard announced thecreation of the Rear AdmiralRichard E. Bennis Award forExcellence in MaritimeSecurity, a biennial awardintended to recognize themaritime community’soutstanding achievements inthe realm of maritime security.To read about the award, pleaseclick here.
The Coast Guard praised the legacy of RDML Bennis,stating that the award “honors an outstanding Coast Guardleader who embodied our core values and demonstrated anexceptional commitment to the security of the UnitedStates and the marine transportation system.” RDMLBennis joined the Coast Guard in 1972 and served asCaptain of the Port in Charleston, Hampton Roads, andNew York. He was COTP for Sector New York during theSeptember 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and was responsiblefor organizing the waterborne evacuation of nearly500,000 people from lower Manhattan. RDML Benniswas a friend of AWO during his 30-year career with theCoast Guard. He retired in 2002 and passed away in 2003.
Any marine transportation related organization owning,operating, or otherwise managing vessels, waterfrontfacilities, fleeting areas, or other entity engaged inmaritime operations subject to Coast Guard maritimesecurity regulations is eligible to apply for the award.There are three primary award categories: Port Authorityof the Year, Company of the Year, and Facility of the Year.The Award Selection Panel is comprised of Coast Guardheadquarters personnel. Applications will be evaluatedbased on an array of issues, including the organization’scommitment to security partnerships, its success inestablishing a strong security culture among its employees,and its processes for developing and managing securitypolicies and procedures. Applications can be submittedvia Homeport, and the Coast Guard will provide moreinformation on the application process in the near future.
For more information, please contact Brian Vahey at (703)841-9300, extension 251, or via email [email protected].
Coast Guard EstablishesRDML Richard E. BennisAward
On September 23, the U.S. Coast Guard announced thepublication of Change-1 to NVIC 04-08, “Medical andPhysical Evaluation Guidelinesfor Merchant MarinerCredentials.” Change-1 pertainsto medical evaluations formariners with antitachycardiadevices or implantablecardioverter defibrillators andmariners with a history ofseizures. The new guidance is effective as of September 23.To read the Federal Register notice, click here. To read theNVIC, click here.
NVIC 04-08 Change-1 does not alter previous Coast Guardguidance that antitachycardia devices and ICDs aregenerally not waiverable medical conditions for marinersseeking officer or rating endorsements, but it provides anew enclosure (7) that describes the medical criteria thatmust be met in order for applicants with these devices to beconsidered for a waiver.
The revised NVIC also changes Coast Guard guidanceconcerning the evaluation of merchant mariner credentialapplicants with a history of seizures or convulsivedisorders seeking a waiver from the NMC. Whileapplicants with a history of seizures are generallydisqualified for officer or rating endorsements, the NMChas also added a new enclosure (8) outlining certainlimited extenuating circumstances in which individualsprone to both unprovoked and provoked seizures may begranted a waiver.
The National Maritime Center made NVIC 04-08 Change-1 available to mariners in June 2013, and developed thenew guidance in part based on public comments to itsSeptember 2012 notice seeking feedback on whether itsproposal to waive these medical conditions in specificcircumstances would pose serious safety concerns. At thetime, the Coast Guard announced that it intended toformally announce the effective date of the change, and topublish its response to the comments it received, in a futureedition of the Federal Register.
For more information, please contact Brian Vahey at (703)841-9300, extension 251, or [email protected].
Coast Guard Revisions toNVIC 04-08 Take Effect Change-1 Amends Physical EvaluationGuidelines for Certain Medical Conditions
September 30, 2013 7
ASSOCIATION NEWS
On September 16-17, leaders of thedomestic maritime communitygathered in Washington, DC, for theAnnual Meeting of the AmericanMaritime Partnership. The two-daysession featured a roundtable withActing Maritime Administrator Paul“Chip” Jaenichen; a panel discussionwith John Rayfield, Majority StaffDirector of the House Subcommitteeon Coast Guard and MaritimeTransportation, and Devon Barnhart,Professional Staff Member from theSenate Surface Transportation andMerchant Marine Subcommittee; andmeetings with key Congressionaloffices and administrationrepresentatives.
During the meeting, AMP alsopresented Rep. Peter King (R-NY)with its prestigious Champion ofMaritime Award. AMP ExecutiveCommittee Member Morton BouchardIII, President, Bouchard TransportationCompany, Inc., made the awardpresentation on behalf of AMP.
“Our nation’s maritime industry is partof the foundation of America’s nationalsecurity. We recently marked theanniversary of the Boatlift of 9/11,when American maritime vesselsrescued more than half a millionpeople stranded on Manhattan after theattacks,” said Rep. King. “Even 12
years later, we are reminded again whyit is so very important to have a vibrantAmerican maritime fleet that willalways be there to support the peopleof our great nation.”
“As a member of the House HomelandSecurity Committee, Rep. King deeplyunderstands the integral role that
American maritime plays in ournation’s safety and security,” statedAMP Chairman and AWO President &CEO Tom Allegretti. “He is a strongand unwavering advocate for the hardworking men and women who make upour growing industry, and for that, wethank him as our Champion for 2013.”
Morton Bouchard III, President, Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc.,presents Rep. King with the 2013 Champion of Maritime Award on behalfof the American Maritime Partnership.
Over 190 members are expected to convene in Miami Beach in two weeksfor the Fall Convention and Board Meeting. The meeting promises to be abig one, both in size and content. If you have yet to make plans to attend,please consider participating. Click here to access the most up-to-dateschedule of meetings and here to register. Also, a few sponsorshipopportunities remain, so contact us today if you'd like to get extra exposurebefore what is anticipated to be record-breaking attendance. For moreinformation, please contact Sarah Young at (703) 841-9300, extension 291,or [email protected].
October 16 - 18 2013 AWO Fall Convention & Board MeetingThe Ritz-Carlton, South BeachMiami, Florida
Rep. Peter King Receives Champion ofMaritime Award at AMP Annual Meeting
Fall ConventionUpdate
8 September 30, 2013
ASSOCIATION NEWS
On September 18, AWO President &CEO Tom Allegretti delivered anaddress during the TradeWinds 2013Jones Act Shipping Forum in NewYork City. Speaking also in his roleas American Maritime PartnershipChairman, Mr. Allegretti hailed thenation’s domestic maritime industryas a crucial element of America’seconomic, national and homelandsecurity, calling the Jones Act, whichserves as the industry’s foundation,both a commercial and a publicpolicy success.
In his remarks, Mr. Allegrettihighlighted the thriving industry’s rolein the nation’s economy, stating that“the American maritime industry is athriving economicengine and a jobscreator. Companieshave made, and aremaking today, multi-billion dollarinvestments in vessels,in shoreside facilities,and in technology tomeet the needs of theircustomers in everysector of the U.S.economy. Ours is oneof the largest, mostvibrant domesticmaritime industries inthe world, and willcontinue to adapt andgrow to meetAmerica’stransportation needs.”
Mr. Allegretti’s addressalso focused on the
critical role American maritime playsin the helping to protect U.S. nationaland homeland security, noting that “thedomestic maritime industry supportsU.S. national and homeland security atzero cost to thefederal government.The Department ofDefense and theU.S. Navy stronglysupport thedomestic maritimeindustry – and theJones Act as itsstatutory foundation – because strongvessel operating companies, a skilled,available supply of mariners, and arobust shipyard industrial base arecritical force multipliers that the U.S.
government must have, but could notsustain, without the commercialdomestic maritime industry.”
The well-attended TradeWindsconference also featured an address
from ActingMaritimeAdministrator Paul“Chip” Jaenichenand KirbyCorporationPresident and ChiefExecutive Officer
Joe Pyne. For more information on theTradeWinds conference, please contactBrian Bennett at (703) 841-9300,extension 279, [email protected].
Allegretti Addresses TradeWinds Conference
AWO President & CEO Tom Allegretti answers questions following his address to theTradeWinds 2013 Jones Act Shipping Forum. Photo courtesy of TradeWinds Events.
Cites Jones Act as Commercial and Public Policy Success
September 30, 2013 9
SAFETY NEWS
AWO Safety Committee Leadership Attends NTSB ForumAWO’s Safety Committee leadershipattended the second NationalTransportation Safety Boardsymposium on the issue of SafetyCulture on September 10-11. Theprevious symposium occurred 16 yearsago after a series of transportationaccidents that had been attributed, atleast in part, to organizational failures.The NTSB convened this forum todiscuss what advances have been madesince the original symposium and howthe transportation industry cancontinue to improve in developing andimplementing strong safety cultures.
Matt Baker, Moran TowingCorporation, chairman of the AWOCoastal Safety Committee, JasonAdams, Ingram Barge Company,chairman of the AWO InterregionSafety Committee, and Matt Stump,Andrie Inc., vice chairman of the
Coastal Safety Committee, attendedthe forum along with Dave Olson fromMoran Towing. Industry attendeeswere impressed with thepresentations and panels,particularly by thesimilarities in the approachesof successful organizations,regardless of mode, or evenindustry. The participantsnoted that the basic tenets ofbuilding a successful safety culturewere the same for FedEx, the NuclearRegulatory Commission, andSchneider Trucking—as well as themaritime industry.
Panelists at the forum presented anddiscussed a variety of differentperspectives on safety culture,including research, organizationalleadership, and non-transportationperspectives. In addition, techniques to
enhance organizational safety andsafety culture management andoversight were also addressed. Mr.
Baker and Mr. Adams alsoboth highly recommended apresentation by Dr. Davedvan Stralen, Lomo LindaUniversity Medical Center,which discussed changingthe environment so that thesafety culture is internalized
rather than imposed, a much moreeffective approach than a punitive one.
The presentations from the SafetyCulture forum, as well as the agendaand opening remarks, are available onthe NTSB website. You can also viewthe archived webcast. For moreinformation, please contact HollyRiester at (703) 841-9300, extension253, or [email protected].
AWO Members and NTSB Board members at the September 10-11 Safety Culture Forum. Front row: DaveOlson and Matt Baker, Moran Towing Corporation, Matt Stump, Andrie Inc. and Jason Adams, IngramBarge Company. Back row: Honorable Mark R. Rosekind, PhD, Honorable Christopher A. Hart, HonorableDeborah A. P. Hersman, Chairman, Honorable Robert L. Sumwalt and Honorable Earl F. Weener, PhD.
10 September 30, 2013
REGIONAL REPORTS
Congressional representatives and industry members prepare for a tour aboard the m/v Dan Elder.
Midcontinent Office
2013 Congressional Towboat Tours Continue in Cincinnati Focus Remains on Industry Education On September 19, AWO members AEP River Operationsand McNational, Inc. hosted the summer’s ninthcongressional towboat tour on the Western Rivers this yearnear Cincinnati onboard the 6,000 hp m/v Dan Elder.Several congressional staffers representing offices fromKentucky and Ohio participated in the tour.
Representatives from the host companies, along withCrounse Corporation, Inland Marine Service, and C&BMarine, discussed WRRDA legislation pending in theHouse, the need for a uniform national vessel discharge law,and the many benefits the domestic maritime industry andthe Jones Act provide to the nation. AWO members alsotalked about the family-wage jobs and promising careerpaths the industry provides. The group also emphasized thatbarge transportation offers the most environmentallyfriendly and cost effective mode of transportation and
highlighted the industry’s strong commitment to continuallyimprove safety and environmental stewardship.
For more information, please contact Lynn Muench at (314)446-6474 or [email protected].
If you receive a hard copy of theAWO Letter and need to know theexact web address of the hyperlink inany article, please contact FrankLeach at (703) 841-9300, extension 254, or [email protected].
Got Links?
September 30, 2013 11
REGIONAL REPORTS
On September 10, The Vane BrothersCompany and AWO held a tugboattour for congressional staff from theHampton Roads region of Virginia.Mason Keeter, The Vane BrothersCompany, hosted Diana Williams,
office of Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA);Shannon Kendrick, office of Rep. ScottRigell (R-VA); and Denise Goode,office of Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)aboard the m/v Charles Hughes.AWO’s John Harms, Atlantic Region
Manager and Kevin Dowling,Government Affairs Associate, alsoattended the tour.
Participants discussed the need topreserve the integrity of the Jones Act(particularly during international tradenegotiations), establish a nationalstandard for vessel discharges andsecure passage of the House WRRDAbill. Industry members also highlightedthe critical role of the tugboat andbarge industry to the regional economyof Hampton Roads, which was on fulldisplay as the m/v Charles Hughestransited past industrial and militarysites along the Elizabeth River.
Mason Keeter, along with Jeff Parker,Kirby Offshore Marine, made asubsequent grassroots visit to thedistrict office of Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) on September 12. Joined by Mr.Harms and Mr. Dowling, they met withthe Senator’s Eastern Virginia RegionalDirector Andrea Trotter to discussAWO’s legislative priorities and thecritical role their businesses play in theregional economy.
For more information, please contactJohn Harms at (703) 373-2292 [email protected].
Atlantic Region
Vane Brothers Hosts Congressional Tugboat Tour in Hampton Roads
Denise Goode, Office of Sen. Mark Warner; Mason Keeter, The Vane BrothersCompany; John Harms, AWO; and Shannon Kendrick, Office of Rep. Scott Rigell,prepare to board the m/v Charles Hughes.
On September 10-12, BrownwaterUniversity was held in Houston withover 50 attendees from the CoastGuard and the towing industry. TheLone Star Harbor Safety Committeeand Sector Houston-Galvestoncollaborated in the effort to educateand engage Coast Guard personnel andindustry representatives. It was the firsttime Brownwater University has beenheld since 2010.
The three-day seminar includedpresentations and discussions on thebusiness of towing; stakeholderpartnerships; equipment and personnel;operations; navigation safety; ship andbarge interaction; and towing vesselinspection. The attendees also had timeto use the Seamen's Church Institutesimulator. AWO members who servedas instructors included Jim Guidry,Kirby Inland Marine, LP; Capt. David
Foret and Tava Foret, The ACTionGroup Companies; Tom Marian,Buffalo Marine Service, Inc.; TomMcWhorter, Maritime Services Groupof Louisiana, LLC; Arnie Rothstein,Ingram Barge Company; and KellyTeichman, T&T Marine Salvage, Inc.
For more information, please contactMark Wright at (985) 674-3600 [email protected].
Industry, Coast Guard Hold Brownwater UniversitySouthern Region
REGIONAL REPORTS
12 September 30, 2013
On September 18, Crowley MaritimeCorporation hosted a visit aboard thearticulated tug barge m/v SoundReliance for Coast Guard Sector PugetSound Commander CAPT Scott
Ferguson, Sector Puget SoundPrevention Chief CDR Matt Edwardsand Vessel Examiner MST2 KyleSchmidt. Mark Homeyer, Crowley’sDirector of Marine Operations, and
Dennis Spear, Captain of the SoundReliance, led the visit, and noted thatthe crew of the m/v Sound Reliancerecently recorded their 4000th daywithout a lost-time injury.
The group took a launch fromAnacortes to the Vendovi Islandanchorage in North Puget Sound wherethey were able to board the m/v SoundReliance at anchor. The crewdemonstrated the pinning system thatconnects the barge to the propulsionunit and toured the engine room withthe Chief Engineer. The tour alsoincluded a walk through the tank bargeto review oil transfer mechanisms andprocedures. The Coast Guardparticipants also spent time in thewheelhouse with Capt. Speardiscussing Puget Sound’s vessel trafficsystem and navigation safetyprocedures. The group also visited theCherry Point Shell Oil refinery andtoured a Crowley-managed tanker.
"We welcome opportunities to visitvessels and facilities to observeoperations and talk with the crews,"said CAPT Ferguson. "The informationthat we take back regarding advancesin shipboard systems as well as ourstakeholders' commitment to safe,secure and environmentally soundshipping enables us to make betterinformed decisions so that we maywork jointly towards solutions thatmeet both industry's needs and theCoast Guards' concerns."
Because ATBs are transiting PugetSound more frequently than in thepast, it is important for the towingindustry to familiarize stakeholderswith these vessels to explain theirsafety and stability characteristics. Formore information, please contactCharles Costanzo at (206) 257-4723 [email protected].
Atlantic Region
AWO and Crowley Maritime Host Coast Guard Outreach
TOP: Captain Dennis Spear explains the workings of the Intercon pinning systemof the ATB Sound Reliance to visitors from U.S. Coast Guard Sector PugetSound. BOTTOM: From left: Mark Homeyer, Crowley Maritime; MST2 KyleSchmidt, Sector Puget Sound; Capt. Dennis Spear, Crowley Maritime; CAPTScott Ferguson, Sector Puget Sound; Charlie Costanzo, AWO; CDR MattEdwards, Sector Puget Sound.
